Fishing for the LARGEST Trout Native to America! || California Gold Pt 4 (Lahontan Cutthroat)

Fly Fishing California for Lahontan Cutthroat Trout!!
Redd's Flies: reddsflies.com
The Lahontan Cutthroat is a unique fish. It’s the largest of the trout species native to North America, can survive in temperatures pushing 78 degrees, and can live in saltwater… something you wouldn’t think a landlocked trout could do. Having originated in the high deserts this is one unique looking trout, so when we had to hike another 4 miles to find some open water we didn’t complain too much. But this creek was tiny.. so small in fact that at first glance we couldn’t see the water because of the overhanging grass. But when we came up to a Culvert crossing we immediately saw trout.
That was some genuine excitement. Andrew then proceeded to sit down and drift the fly through the culvert and caught yet another cutthroat. These fish had either never seen fly in their life or there are so many that they felt the need to eat anything that touched the water. And these fish were big for the size of water they were living in… which is not surprising considering they can quit literally grow in excess of 40 pounds in lakes and rivers. But it didn’t stop there, this ended up being some of the most ridiculous fishing we’ve ever had.
You can’t help but to feel fortunate when you’re plucking trout after trout out of a tiny little creek like this one. I’ve had some hard days of fishing, but this definitely wasn’t one of them. It made the hike up to this section of water worth every second.
We honestly fished for less than 2 hours and felt like we had caught enough fish to last a lifetime, most of which we didn’t even put in the video. These Lahontan Cutthroat trout were some of the prettiest cutthroat trout I’ve personally ever caught. But to be honest this day was kind of a warmup.. because we knew that day 6 in California was going to find us hiking into the middle of nowhere in an attempt to catch the RAREST trout on earth. That’s right folks, you won’t want to miss the next video.
#troutfishing #california #fishing #flyfishing #outdoors

[@deanfirnatine7814]

The Lahontan evolved in a giant ice age lake called Lake Lahontan, it was the size of one of the Great Lakes and stretched across NW Nevada, SE Oregon and NE California. The largest remnant of the lake is Pyramid Lake Nevada which holds some absolute monster size fish.

[@badlyniceness2315]

Thank God,,only he can breed them so sweet

[@somethinginthewater3802]

I made the 2 hour drive to pyramid once a week for ten years, my biggest was just north of 20, but I've seen tarpon sized fish roll there. I firmly believe there are 100 lb fish in that lake

[@jayk.2276]

@@badlyniceness2315and thank the state of Utah and the landowner that re-discovered these in his creek.

[@obozomustgo5449]

WOW! Clean water, lots of cover from predators, and a large supply of bugs in all of that grass covering the creek makes for some aggressive trout that are much bigger than anyone could expect. Great video and beautiful fish.

[@hardmanfishing]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed

[@briljantje9583]

I love these series. First thing what stroke me was that barbed wire in the middle of nowhere. Civilisation is everywhere. Even in the most unexpected places.

[@hardmanfishing]

Yeah I’m sure that was a cattle ranch or something before it was public, I have no idea honestly

[@bixby9797]

With grass and water like that I'm sure it was at least summer pasture for someone. Be interesting to find out the history

[@bixby9797]

I went to college in AZ and worked as a Wildlife Biologist for AZ, USFS and USFW. Id love to know where that is to research the history of the area which is a hobby of mine

[@xXGohan02Xx]

@@bixby9797😂😂😂

[@jeffrygottfried757]

If not for the barbed wire , those range maggots would be walking and laying in the creek, while destroying the riparian area and banks . To make matters worse, this type of destruction of trout habitat regularly takes place on public lands, lands that YOU own.

[@bradrieck1348]

Thank you for sharing your experiences. They help reinforce my commitment to small mountain stream fishing. God bless you and your brother.

[@TheFishinMagician20]

I wanna say thank you for the fly fishing tutorials! They have helped me pick up fly fishing and it is a nice switch up from my traditional methods! Watching you slay these cutties now. I miss CA sometimes

[@tomrivera8480]

What an incredible fishing trip beautiful fish!! Thanks for lettin us tag along👍

[@davidleimeister5027]

Everything about this video was absolutely amazing. The colors of the trout, the creek and the scenery. Thanks so much again for a wonderful adventure.

[@hardmanfishing]

I’m glad you enjoyed the video!!

[@michaelsmith7193]

What an amazing series this is - cannot thank you enough! What gorgeous fish!

[@hardmanfishing]

Still have 2 more videos to go! The next one may be my favorite

[@user-nc4co2xu2i]

You and Andrew must be the best small stream fly fisherman in the country! The size of the fish you pulled out of that little spring creek was amazing. I’ve hiked several miles to fish for these beautiful little, living gems in a much wider creek and I felt very fortunate to catch an 8 incher. The fish you caught were truly outsized for stream-resident Lahontan Cutthroat trout. As always, your close up beauty shots showed us the spectacular colors of these unique and scarce trout. I look forward to your next video. Based on your comments I think you have a real treat in store for your viewers.

[@hardmanfishing]

Thank you so much!! And yep the next video is a special one even for Andrew and I. But glad you enjoyed the video!

[@tonywalkingstick8883]

Thank you, Jon and Andrew for this awesome video. I have something new on my bucket list now. Those Lahount cutties are gorgeous. Was a real pleasure watching y'all catch, land, and release those beautiful trout.

[@hardmanfishing]

Thank you!! Glad you enjoyed the video

[@aleta5873]

Who would have thought that "huge" trout would be in such a small area...? Amazing footage and such a joy to witness. Thank you guys. Great work !!

[@hardmanfishing]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching

[@jonathanstoffregen390]

I have found that repeatedly to be the case with various forms of Cutthroat Trout in various locations across their range: tiny streams - big fish. But don't take my word for it - get out there and check it out for yourself! :D

[@jacobgarland3257]

What an amazing day of fishing for gorgeous cutthroat at a beautiful creek. That's about the best trout fishing anyone could ever ask for. Awesome experience and video.

[@wvlongshooter3912]

Get em my fellow West Virginian’s. Remarkable fishing and stunning trout, I’m speechless!!!!!!!! Thanks!!!

[@wnctarheel9626]

Beautiful fish and scenery. Looking forward to the next video.

[@qcarr]

Wow, that was an AMAZING video! It's so cool that there were so many beautiful hungry trout in such a tiny stream. Thanks for sharing your adventure!

[@hardmanfishing]

Thank you for watching! Glad you enjoyed

[@SupersonicFox]

I feel the same way as you do at the end of this series. I'm currently making fishing videos with my dad in them, which started out as just sharing in his hobby that he's enjoyed since before coming to Canada. But they have become a precious memory bank of stories and experiences.

[@cr33kn3rd]

You guys are absolute legends😎🎉 So cool to see these beasts in such a tiny creek

[@jimgollach6202]

Wow! That bucket list got filled up. Enjoyed watching. 👍

[@robertzylstra6676]

So wild! Beautiful fish hidden in a grass field!

[@danielmaki3236]

What an amazing trout! You guys make the most interesting videos and your passion and excitement is so entertaining, I love it!

[@hardmanfishing]

Thank you for the kind words!! Glad you’re enjoying the vids

[@fload46d]

Wow, beautiful trout in such a little creek.

[@jeffrey4869]

Awesomely beautiful trout, especially on such a tiny stream! You and your bro are living the dream.

[@hardmanfishing]

We’re doing our best! Thanks for watching

[@barrylaws6085]

Not a big comment guy, but I wanted to say that this was my favorite of all your videos. You've perfected your craft over the years.

[@hardmanfishing]

Thank you so much!!

[@dylanphilliber496]

Trip of a lifetime boys! Well done and thank you for sharing!

[@hardmanfishing]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@stevedavis4087]

This is so insane I've never seen such crazy colors! You guys are literally showcasing a beauty that most don't get to experience thank you!

[@hardmanfishing]

I’m glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching

[@NorthmassRails]

I started watching your channel not too long ago, and it quickly became my favorite fly fishing channel! Great videos

[@hardmanfishing]

That’s awesome! Seriously thank you!

[@Ryanoceros06]

Thanks for the ride! You're an inspiration to all us WV fellas haha.

[@Leightr]

My father and I are both avid fly fishers, he more so than I though. He is in a local club and one of the members passed away. Among the items his wife did not know what to do with was his mounted trophy Lohontan (Pyramid lake, Nevada '94). The other club members didn't want to see it tossed in the trash and my father ended up approaching me to see if there was a place for it in my shop (I have a bunch of old fishing stuff on the walls) So now it lives over the main door with the plaque giving credit to the gentleman still attached.

[@battlefor1billiondollars]

Cutthroat trout were the first New World trout encountered by Europeans when in 1541, Spanish explorer Francisco de Coronado recorded seeing trout in the Pecos River near Santa Fe, New Mexico. I'm glad it's our state fish. I'm subbed!!

[@cooltuber1404]

Absolutely beautiful Cutty's ... the way they sparkle in the sunlight was impressive. The large size of some of those fish in such shallow water was also surprising. The stream covering must really contribute to the protection of those fish. Any type of natural predator in the area ? No doubt those fish would have some great taste but there were just too dang purdy to eat ! Thank you for this amazing video.

[@leemowers9395]

Great Video guys, thanks for the work, until next outing.

[@antoniomora1255]

You have to see it to believe it. Such a narrow stream (one can easily jump over it) so full of good sized trout (time 11:38). And if that wasn't enough, those trout are gorgeous (time 3:58) with an incredible red colouring. Once again this KZbin channel makes us live a dream. A real pleasure to watch, as usual.

[@hardmanfishing]

Glad you enjoyed!!!

[@bryancromar623]

Amazing content and beautiful fish! You’ve inspired me to get back into fly fishing again!! Cheers.

[@hardmanfishing]

Heck yeah!!

[@CarolinaAnglingCo]

You guys are legends man.

[@rick1331]

Seriously, the size of those fish in that tiny stream! And they are indeed a beautiful trout! Love watching you guys on this latest adventure! Tight lines yo!! LETS GO!!!!!!!

[@hardmanfishing]

Thank you!!! Glad you’re enjoying the videos!!

[@bb-fe9ur]

I love it when you guys drag giant fish out of tiny ditches.. seems impossible, great stuff thank you 👍👍

[@hardmanfishing]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed!

[@AlexRamirez-vz1vj]

I am loving this series... I live in california and have been planning a trip like this for a while.. I just suck at trout fishing.

[@Allster101]

What a beautiful interesting fish. On the bucket list!

[@markthompson7503]

Wow. Breathtaking and an absolute blessing.

[@hardmanfishing]

Thanks for watching!!

[@Fishforfun223]

Letsssssss goooo part four of the best native trout series on Yt!!!!

[@vagacat69]

Love the quail calling in the background

[@strzeleckistreams]

This is such an incredible video! Loved seeing the dry fly takes! Unbelievable footage, watching from Australia 🇦🇺 🎣

[@hardmanfishing]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@yepz_]

amazing vid, channel will absolutely take off soon

[@swr917sr]

Wow! I thought part 3 was a good video. Look like the kind of day we would all love to have fishing. Can’t wait for the next video.

[@bixby9797]

Insane fishing you would not have found if you didn't put in the hard work to get there. Did I miss what wilderness area you were in? Great footage as always, guys. Native trout are the most beautiful fish.

[@johnjones850]

Great work guys. Greetings from Fairmont West Virginia

[@hardmanfishing]

I live like an hour from fairmont LOL

[@eddyro]

The thrill of small stream fishing is alive and well, here! These are truly fascinating adventures on these small creeks!

[@hardmanfishing]

Glad you enjoyed!!

[@bane8305]

how to find these small streams? high elevation or low? would higher elevation be cleaner and bigger fish due to less predators?

[@WildBlueDiscovery]

Crazy cool video!! What gorgeous Trout!! Great series! Tightlines

[@hardmanfishing]

Thank you!

[@EduardoGonzalez-gg9pe]

Beautiful fish, Love your videos!!!!

[@hardmanfishing]

Thank you!!

[@henryleslievermont6004]

Awesome! Enjoyed 🎣🎣

[@johngray9702]

Awesome, thank you for sharing.

[@Dave-ty9xy]

Great video. Loved all of it.

[@hardmanfishing]

Thank you!

[@jacobgarland3257]

It's not often that a single video will earn my subscription, but this is one of those occasions.

[@hardmanfishing]

Thank you so much!!

[@deanvarner9308]

Another amazing video❤❤❤,but all your videos are awesome

[@hardmanfishing]

Thank you!!

[@scottkohl8595]

I live in reno nevada pyramid lake fly fishing has some of the largest cutthroat trout. Love for you to come and fish. 20 pounds can be cought many times. Your a great fishermen. Love watching your videos.

[@hardmanfishing]

Thank you! And pyramid lake is definitely on the bucket list

[@vagacat69]

Beautiful. Years ago I fished a high country cattle pond in the Sierras that had the only population of Grayling in California. Sadly the drought dried up the tiny lake years ago Never knew those trout existed in 58 years living in Cali. Quite a trophy

[@nevadaboy9769]

Are you talking about that pond that was on top of the mountain outside of Bridgeport, Ca off US 395? i was last up there in 1986 & we caught Grayling there, im trying to remember the name of it! i live in Hawthorne, Nv about 50mi as a crow flys from Bridgeport. not to many places i dont know about around the Eastern Sierras & on into Nevada!

[@vagacat69]

@@nevadaboy9769 if i recall it was above the timberline above Lonepine or Big Pine. it was not as far a Bridgeport

[@birdman9043]

amazing colors!!!!!

[@sailingbrewer]

Great video. Thanks for not giving up the spot. I'm sure with just a hint of the location and the trout would be gone and the stream destroyed

[@tony52398]

Wow I thought the last few episodes were amazing. This one takes the cake

[@hardmanfishing]

This was probably the most unexpectedly good day of fishing we’ve ever had. Insane.

[@moreno1024]

Well, now I have to subscribe to catch the next video. I love sierra fishing

[@esilvers1116]

Amazing fish and video

[@hardmanfishing]

Thank you!

[@alexjivan4031]

Just Amazing!

[@peirules154]

I have never hiked ever up a mountain. I went 5 kms up this summer in the canadian Rockies for goldens lol. What a trip 14.5”

[@brian1204]

Beautiful trout! Not sure they are more beautiful than the goldens you caught, but beautiful nonetheless. So when you say they are the largest NA trout, are you excluding char such as lake trout? I think they grow larger.

[@curtismatsune3147]

Amazing! It's great to see truly wild indigenous fish in such abundance and obvious prime condition. It shows that even in heavily populated California, once you get far enough away from the populated areas Mother Nature still rules. I'm primarily a surf fisherman and I catch legal California halibut (22" minimum) along the Orange County beaches with surfers and tourists all around. I'm starting to think we humans aren't as all-powerful as we think we are. Other animals are strong and fit for their environments, too, and still thrive even in places like California where the conventional wisdom says they should have long been eradicated from.

[@nak4651]

Living the dream!

[@xavierpearsall8306]

this is the most insane fishing video I have ever seen, I envy you.

[@hardmanfishing]

Thank you!!!

[@MorganBrown]

Ok, the red ones are crazy!

[@Cbockhoff]

Fished a little high elevation stream like that in the big horns a few weeks back for Yellowstone cutthroat. Surprised how many 12 inch plus fish there were in the 200 yards I fished. They may be small in width, but there’s good amount of water flowing.

[@chach3]

I had the same experience fishing for Lahontan last summer. I fished maybe 200 yards of stream and caught a couple dozen. The stream I was fishing was about twice the size of the one you guys fished, but equally challenging with the vegetation. They are a blast to fish for. i had some crazy dry fly eats too. I cant wait to get back to California to fish for them again.

[@hardmanfishing]

That’s awesome!! Yeah these fish are pretty cool and fun to fish for. Thanks for watching

[@user-pg4iw1cm8c]

over limit

[@etahno]

where in cali did you fish?

[@chach3]

@@etahno NE California

[@petedambski3792]

Sick Lahontan trout on foam hoppers

[@zumalot]

Wow! I'm trout speechless.

[@tonycamplin8607]

Fantastic to catch those fish from such a small stream, a really marvelous session. What colours! They aren't in very good condition though, they are so very thin, there can't be much food available for them to eat. That's probably why they're so easy to catch, they're so hungry that they'll eat anything and have to get to it quickly before another fish gets it.

[@hardmanfishing]

Probably not wrong, I’m surprised that stream can hold such a large number of fish. Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@tonycamplin8607]

@@hardmanfishing Thanks for replying.

[@peno1492]

Wow, do you guys know how fortunate you were to have come so far in unfamiliar territory and scored like this. Being from CA, i can only dream of stumbling across this kind of wayer amd having this kind of day. Stoked!

[@hardmanfishing]

I’d rather be lucky than good! Glad you enjoyed the video

[@user-ry1lo5vd5g]

Awesome! Fishing in a culvert never looked so awesome! I've been excited waiting for this series to upload. This inspire's me to do my own channel here in georgia. And by the way, what epic soundtrack were you playing at the culvert, it was amazing!?

[@hardmanfishing]

I don’t remember! I get my music from epidemic sound

[@user-ry1lo5vd5g]

Thanks for the reply! I'm definitely going to check out epidemic sound. I can't wait for part 5 of this series! Keep it reel out there and keep fishing!

[@curtissouthard236]

I'm not trying to say that those cutthroat aren't something special, but have you ever seen trout we have in Lake Cresent, outside of Port Angeles Washington. the Beardslee trout is found nowhere else in the world and is in my opinion the most beautiful rainbow there is. the lake is not a popular fly fishing location but it is a spectacular experience none the less.

[@jackpotjoey3940]

Good stuff… keep hunting those small streams. I have caught 4+ lb Lahontan in a similar setting.

[@bane8305]

how to find these small streams? on google maps or just hiking and basic common geology sense?

[@dylanhardy6443]

@@bane8305Dude ik i have no clue where to find these small streams i’ve been mapping for hours

[@brianbelchuk9612]

Love it

[@louisevad6091]

Something that rare I’d be happy just looking at it in the water.

[@jayk.2276]

Man, if you guys are ever passing through Utah, I would love too take you guys to a spot that us locals don’t even really even hit too often that has massive browns and Cutthroats and fished best on streamers. It is pretty pretty tough rugged terrain on the way in, but it is one of the last sweet spots left in Utah!

[@syloson3807]

Besides gopros what cameras do you guys film with? Like when you zoom in on trout

[@docdune]

Man, I thought it would take me weeks to find this place on google earth, but this was an easy one, thanks! Ill have to check this out next time I am near San Diego.

[@hardmanfishing]

It’s a little south of San Diego but good luck!!

[@docdune]

haha@@hardmanfishing

[@bane8305]

how tf did you find this on google maps bro

[@bane8305]

Im new to all of this, is the elevation high in the mountains for cleaner fish? or is this low elevation?

[@AdvancedUSA]

Beautiful fish in what looks more like a drainage ditch than a creek.

[@scottsherman8217]

If you want big Lahontan cutties, go to lake Pyramid. It is just outside of Reno

[@levelwitme]

They are BEAUTIFUL! What are the odds that these fish have never seen a fly before?

[@hardmanfishing]

I have no idea 😂 I’d think someone has fished for them, just can’t be that offen

[@dylanhardy6443]

Dude that is so sick i’m beyond jealous. My brother and I are trying to plan a trip to catch native golden, native lahontan cut and hike to Mount Whitney. Any tips or spots helps.

[@nevadaboy9769]

Just guessing but from the looks of it i would say they are some where in the Eastern Sierras around the Bishop or Mammoth area or around the Owens River area!

[@WaifuDiddler]

In my state we have blue backs aka sea run cutthroat biggest I caught was 21 inches

[@u.p.mi.woodsman5066]

These get and are bigger than a native Brooke trout? I catch em all the time where I'm from. Serious question Though

[@galenhaugh3158]

Small water; big fish!

[@alfaq654]

Anyone else notice those quail? So cool that they're up that high.

[@ReLeAsEToxic]

What fly rod set up did you use for this trip?

[@zwedenhuizen]

Gorgeous in all aspects. When does the next video drop?

[@hardmanfishing]

Next Friday I think! Depends on how quickly I edit it

[@fishingthelist4017]

Big trout that can tolerate water temps in the upper 70's. How do we get them stocked where I live?

[@keithpomella9953]

Great video, beautiful area, where is it?

[@TheBeefSlayer]

I feel like a cane pole or tenkarra fly rod would be perfect for this. But 20 mile hike I can understand brining the best thing you can since you may not know what exactly to expect. When you go back you should do a cane pole.

[@nailswood167]

Skinny water rocks!

[@michaelrauls4943]

Would love to know where this is. Not asking for the exact stream location or anything just the general area . I live in California and have been through most of it but have never seen this kind of scenery. Looks a little like around Lake Crowley but I don't think that's it.

[@magicworldbyjorg]